Olivet Nazarene University continues its tradition of community service by offering free tax preparation assistance to residents of Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This valuable service, coordinated by the McGraw School of Business, provides qualified individuals with expert tax preparation support during the 2024 tax season.
Supporting Our Community Through Tax Expertise
The VITA program represents a collaborative effort between Olivet Nazarene University and the Internal Revenue Service, designed to remove the burden of tax preparation from community members who might find the process challenging or costly. Through this initiative, certified accounting students from ONU serve as tax preparers, applying their expertise to ensure accurate and timely filing of returns.
Who Can Benefit?
The VITA program welcomes community members who meet any of the following criteria:
- Annual household income of $65,000 or less for the 2024 tax year
- Individuals with disabilities
- Those with limited English language proficiency
Schedule and Location
Tax preparation services will be available every Tuesday throughout February and March 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sessions take place in Weber room 307 on Olivet’s campus. To better serve our community, no appointments are necessary—participants are welcome to walk in during service hours.
Required Documentation
To ensure efficient service, please bring the following documents:
Tax Information Documents:
- All W-2 forms for the 2024 tax year
- Forms 1099 (for independent contractors or investment income)
- Forms 1098 (for mortgage interest or education expenses)
- Forms 1095 (for health insurance documentation)
Identification Requirements:
- Valid photo identification for yourself and spouse if filing jointly (copies or clear photos accepted)
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for all individuals listed on the tax return
- Previous year’s federal and state tax returns (if available)
Making a Difference Together
Through the VITA program, Olivet Nazarene University demonstrates its ongoing commitment to serving our local community. This initiative not only provides essential tax services but also offers valuable real-world experience to our accounting students as they prepare for their professional careers.
For additional information about the VITA program, please contact our team at vita@olivet.edu.
*Note: This free service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours of operation.*
